My standard load is 3.5gr Bullseye with 200gr LSWC bullet, and it cycles well and reliable in my 1911 and groups well. I'm trying to figure out the optimal load for the short line with 180gr bullets. Same 3.5gr Bullseye seems to be not enough, what happens is, it has enough power to cock the hammer all the way back, but the case stays in the chamber (or causes the stovepipe). Can anyone recommend a good recipe for the 180gr bullet and Bullseye powder?

Need more info before I can suggest any course of action.Slide mounted dot, recoil spring weight, bullet seated depth, brand of primers and crimp. All these things affect function. But I will say usually .3gr more of powder and a tight crimp ( .462 ) will get you going with lighter lead bullets.

More info: Ultradot Matchdot II slide-mounted, recoil spring is 9lbs, CCI primers and .470 crimp. The same crimp and spring weight works well with my 200gr/3.5gr load. I'll try both tighter crimp and more powder.

If your M1911 is being cocked by the load, but the spent cases remain chambered; your extractor needs to have its tension checked and adjusted. I bet you will find that it is not holding the case properly with these light loads.

To check the extractor tention remove the slide from the frame and slide an empty case under the extractor. If it dosen't hold the case it's to light and needs more tention. If you remove and bend the extractor becareful not to bend it too much you want it just tight enough to hold the case with a little resistance.

Rodger Barthlow wrote:To check the extractor tention remove the slide from the frame and slide an empty case under the extractor. If it dosen't hold the case it's to light and needs more tention. If you remove and bend the extractor becareful not to bend it too much you want it just tight enough to hold the case with a little resistance.

I've done many a M1911 as you discribed with great success (I typically you a live round and give the slide a little shake). Nonetheless; for a target pistol I think I would only rely on a Weigand extractor gage and tool (with a good scale).